Nantes (France), 29 Jan 2011

The associations "Droits des Animaux" (Animal Rights) and nea ( "Non à l'exploitation Animale"; literally : "No to Animal Exploitation") organized together an information stand and an event on Saturday, 29th January 2011 in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique, West of France)

Discussions with people in the street were very rich and the members of the two associations were often encouraged and supported by vegetarians - like this vegan family with two children - as well as by people who haven't taken this step yet but who progressively get more aware of this ethical issue.

During the event, a man covered with fake blood was lying in a plastic container, imitating a meat container. Most reactions were encouraging and the mockery of some was challenged by the arguments put forward about the tragic consequences of meat consumption for animals.

That day was a great opportunity to meet "budding" vegetarians who have paid attention to the place of animals that has been recently much debated in the French media. But it was also the opportunity to meet this part-time fisherman who wanted to know our position about fish and who eventually ackowledged that he'd better find a less crual hobby. There was also this man who didn't know what to do with the meat that he had already bought for dinner! More strikingly, we also had the opportunity to talk to a butcher working in a slaughter-house and who remained a long time standing near the container, explaining the slaughter conditions of cattle: "They don't want to die" he said "Once in the corridor, they understand what's going on. I've been a butcher for six years and I do it to give meat to consumers. I kill up to 600 cows and calves a week and yet,I like animal.". He also pointed out that animals arrive at the slaughter-house stressed out whether they come from industrial or organic exploitations. He left with five leaflets about the animal condition and alternatives to animal-based products. "I'll put them up at work on monday. Some will just throw them away but at least, they will be seen!"